Hazard/Disaster Briefing for the LA City CouncilSeptember 30, 2009 Sgt. Tim Nordquist

Overview

Hazards and DisastersLAPD Emergency Operations Guide

Disaster:

An emergency that threatens or has caused extraordinary loss of life and/or property.

Hazards and DisastersLAPD Emergency Operations Guide

Local Emergency:

The Mayor may declare a local emergency when conditions are beyond the control of the normal services of the city.

Hazards and DisastersLAPD Emergency Operations Guide

Unusual Occurrence:Fire, flood, storm, earthquake, tidal wave, landslide, wreck, enemy action, civil disturbance, or other natural or man-caused incident necessitating the declaration of a Tactical Alert or Mobilization.

Hazards and DisastersLAPD Emergency Operations Guide

Tactical Alert:Preliminary stage of Mobilization Plan.• Announcement of redistribution of on-duty

officers to achieve personnel levels to control an emergency.

Hazards and DisastersLAPD Emergency Operations Guide

Mobilization:Marshalling of personnel to control an

Unusual Occurrence• Immediate implementation of 12-hour

alternating watches• Deferment of days off• Recall of off-duty officers

Top 3 Hazards threatening the

City of Los Angeles

#1 Terrorism

As the 2nd largest city in the US, and as a world renowned city, Los Angeles remains a terrorist target.

There have been multiple terrorist plots against LAX airport.

It is difficult to predict the

frequency or severity of potential

terrorist threats against Los

Angeles.

According to a recent study conducted amongst residents of Los Angeles County:

• 17.4% Worry about a terrorist attack “Very Often/Often”

• 66.2% Worry about a terrorist attack “Sometimes/Rarely”

Source: Eisenman (2009), American Journal of Public Health

We must not lose focus on defending our city from the threat of terrorism.

#2 Earthquakes

1971: San Fernando Earthquake• 6.6 Magnitude• 65 deaths• 2,000 injuried• $500 Million in Damages

1994: Northridge Earthquake• 6.9 Magnitude• 57 deaths• 9,000 injuries• $20 Billion in Damages

New computer models suggest the Puente Hills Fault, discovered in 1999, and located directly below downtown Los Angeles, has the potential to be the most significant natural disaster in US history:

• Potentially 18,000 deaths• Potentially $252 Billion in Damages

Source: Hansen (2005), Civil Engineering

#3 Civil Unrest

1965: Watts Riots• Six day period• 34 deaths• 1,032 injured• $40 Million in Damages

1992: Rodney King Riots• Four day period• 52 deaths• 2,300 injured• $1 Billion in Damages

Conclusion

Sources

Retrieved 09 22, 2009, from Natural Hazards Gateway (United States Geological Survey): www.usgs.gov/hazards/Retrieved 09 22, 2009, from Natural Hazards Database (National Geophysical Data Center): www.ngdc.noaa.govAuf der Heide, E. (1989). Distaster Response: Principles of Preparation and Coordination. Retrieved 09 22, 2009, from Center of

Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance: http://orgmail2.coe-dmha.org/dr/Images/Main.swfEisenman, D. (2009). Terrorism-Related Fear and Avoidance Behavior in a Multiethnic Urban Populace. American Journal of Public

Health , 99 (1), 168-174.Emergency Operations Section. (1999). LAPD Emergency Operations Guide. Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department.(January 2009). Global Risks 2009: A Global Risk Network Report. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum.Hansen, B. (2005). Researchers Model Costliest Earthquake in History in Downtown L.A. Civil Engineering , 75 (8), 24.Mileti, D. (1999). Disasters by Design: A Reassessment of Natural Hazards in the United States. Retrieved 09 22, 2009, from National

Academy Press: www.nap.eduPerry, R. W. (Ed.). (2005). What is a Disaster? New Answers to Old Questions. International Research Committee on Disasters.Quarantelli, E. (November 1995). What is a Disaster? International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters , 221-230.Useem, B. (1997). The State and Collective Disorders: The Los Angeles Riot/Protest of April 1992. Social Forces , 76 (2), 357-77.Waugh, W. (Ed.). Emergency Management: Principles and Practice for Local Government (2nd ed.). Washington, D.C.: International

City/County Management Association.